Deacetylated chitin biopolymer
Chitosan/Drug Interactions:
AntibioticsAntibiotics: Low-molecular-weight chitosan inhibited the adsorption of Streptococcus mutans to saliva-coated or uncoated hydroxyapatite beads by 47% to 66% in in vitro study (28). No significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans adsorption was observed when the hydroxyapatite beads were coated with saliva after chitosan treatment. Anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, NSAIDsAnticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, NSAIDs: In clinical study, serum vitamin K was significantly increased after four weeks of treatment (12). Due to potential coagulant effects in laboratory studies, chitosan may interfere with blood coagulation when taken with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, heparin), anti-platelet drugs (e.g. aspirin, clopridogrel, ticlopidine), or NSAIDs (21; 19; 22). Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: Chitosan has been noted to produce hypoglycemic effects in animal studies (23; 24). Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: Numerous studies have reported small reductions in total and LDL cholesterol with the use of chitosan (4; 25; 5; 6). Antiobesity agentsAntiobesity agents: Chitosan is promoted as a fat blocker, similar to orlistat (Xenical?). It is thought to work by binding to negatively charged dietary fat and bile acids in the intestine, decreasing their absorption. However, studies in healthy humans suggest that chitosan does not affect fat excretion (26; 27). ContraceptivesContraceptives: Chitosan may slow the absorption of oral contraceptives.Chitosan/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Low-molecular-weight chitosan inhibited the adsorption of Streptococcus mutans to saliva-coated or uncoated hydroxyapatite beads by 47% to 66% in in vitro study (28). No significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans adsorption was observed when the hydroxyapatite beads were coated with saliva after chitosan treatment. Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In clinical study, serum vitamin K was significantly increased after four weeks of treatment (12). Due to coagulant effects in laboratory studies, chitosan may interfere with blood coagulation when taken with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin), anti-platelet drugs (aspirin, clopridogrel, ticlopidine), or NSAIDs (21; 19; 22). AntilipemicsAntilipemics: Numerous studies have reported small reductions in total and LDL cholesterol with the use of chitosan (4; 25; 5; 6). Theoretically, cholesterol-lowering effects may be increased by concomitant use of chitosan and anti-hyperlipidemic herbs and supplements. Antiobesity herbs and supplementsAntiobesity herbs and supplements: Chitosan is promoted as a fat blocker, similar to orlistat (Xenical?). It is thought to work by binding to negatively charged dietary fat and bile acids in the intestine, decreasing their absorption. However, studies in healthy humans suggest that chitosan does not affect fat excretion (26; 27). CalciumCalcium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of calcium (18; 16). ContraceptivesContraceptives: Chitosan may slow the absorption of oral contraceptives.Essential fatty acidsEssential fatty acids: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). HyperglycemicsHyperglycemics: Chitosan has been noted to produce hypoglycemic effects in animal studies (23; 24). HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: Chitosan has been noted to produce hypoglycemic effects in animal studies (23; 24). MagnesiumMagnesium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of magnesium (18; 16). SeleniumSelenium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of selenium (18; 16). Vitamin AVitamin A: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). Vitamin CVitamin C: Preliminary study in rats demonstrated a synergistic effect of ascorbate (AsA) on the inhibition of fat digestion by chitosan (31).Vitamin DVitamin D: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). Vitamin EVitamin E: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). Vitamin KVitamin K: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). However, in clinical study, serum vitamin K was significantly increased after four weeks of chitosan treatment (12). Chitosan/Food Interactions:
Lipophilic substancesLipophilic substances: Chitosan may interact with the absorption of certain lipophilic substances, including micronutrients.Chitosan/Lab Interactions:
HemoglobinHemoglobin: Chitosan may increase serum hemoglobin levels in patients on chronic hemodialysis (9). Prothrombin time/INR (international normalized ratio)Prothrombin time/INR (international normalized ratio): Due to coagulant effects in laboratory studies, chitosan may interfere with blood coagulation (21; 19; 22). Serum glucoseSerum glucose: Although human studies are lacking, animal studies have reported that chitosan may decrease glucose concentrations (23; 24). Serum lipid profileSerum lipid profile: Multiple trials have demonstrated modest lipid-lowering properties of oral chitosan supplementation, including decreases in total and LDL cholesterol (4; 25; 5; 6). Results have been inconsistent regarding the effects of chitosan on levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Urea/creatinineUrea/creatinine: Chitosan may reduce blood urea and creatinine levels in patients on chromic hemodialysis (9). Serum fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, or K) and essential fatty acidsSerum fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, or K) and essential fatty acids: As shown in animals, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). Serum calcium, magnesium, and seleniumSerum calcium, magnesium, and selenium: According to animal evidence, long-term, high-dose chitosan supplementation may result in malabsorption of magnesium (18; 16). Serum vitamin CSerum vitamin C: Preliminary research in rats demonstrated a synergistic effect of ascorbate (AsA) on the inhibition of fat digestion by chitosan (31).Serum vitamin KSerum vitamin K: As shown in animal studies, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble dietary supplements (16; 29; 30; 31). However, in clinical study, serum vitamin K was significantly increased after four weeks of chitosan treatment (12).